In recent years, it has appeared Maori and Pacific people are starting to reach close to the national average in their studies. Many factors contribute to this improvement, but the Polynesian Panthers would have likely had a strong influence on how well both cultures are improving in their studies today. A quote from the senior manager of census data delivery, Susan Hollow, noted “There has been a focus over recent decades on improving cultural understanding and teaching approaches within New Zealand's education sector, which may have had an effect on the numbers of students achieving formal qualifications,”. Because of how powerful the Panthers had been, they were able to increase the recognition of Pacific cultures as well as provide a better learning environment for students coming from Pacific backgrounds many years later.
